How to Install the PIA VPN App on an Amazon Firestick

Published:
15/05/2018
Updated:
15/05/2018

This method of setting up the PIA VPN application on an Amazon Firestick will require the use of two third party applications, as well as a computer, and an Android or iOS mobile device. The first application you will need is one that will allow you to browse the local files on the Firestick. This application is called ES File Manager and can be found in the Amazon store on your Fire TV device. The other application you will need is one that can allow the Firestick controller to simulate mouse use. This paid app can be found in the Google Play Store or the iOS App Store, and is called Mouse Toggle for Fire TV.

Once you have the APK on your computer, you will need to transfer it to your Firestick; this can be done by USB. It is suggested to use the wire that comes with the device to connect to your computer, and simply transfer the file to the internal storage of the device.

Now that the APK for the PIA app is on the Firestick, unplug the device from your computer, then connect the Firestick to your television and turn it on.

Install ES File Manager

Next, we will install ES File Manager. This is an application that will allow you to browse the local content of the Firestick, much like the File Explorer in a desktop operating system.

Step 1.
Within the Amazon interface on your TV, select the search option and enter the text “File” then select the item “File Manager” that is provided.

Step 2.
This will direct you to a list of file manager applications, among them ES File Manager should be visible.

Step 3.
Install this application on your firestick.

Install Mouse Toggle

Now, we will install Mouse Toggle for Fire TV. This is a paid application, but will allow you to improve the functionality of your Firestick remote. Once installed on your mobile device, you will be able to upload the functionality to Fire TV devices in your vicinity.

Step 1.
Search for the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store from your Android or iOS device.

Step 10.
Once the upload is done, open the Mouse Toggle app on your Firestick.

Step 11.
When the bottom left of the screen in this app displays “Status: started”, you are given the ability to use a cursor much like a mouse on a computer.

This capability can be toggled on by pressing the play button on your remote twice rapidly. This will present a cursor for use, which can be moved with the up, down, left, and right buttons on your remote. The center button will function as ‘click’ or ‘tap.’ Normal remote functionality returns after pressing the play button twice again.

Install the PIA VPN Application

Now that you have a file explorer app and your Firestick remote has a cursor, you are ready to install the PIA application.

Step 1.
First, you will need to open ES File Manager.

Step 2.
Select Internal Storage at the top of the screen.

Step 3.
Select the file pia-latest-android.apk.

Step 4.
Select Install.

Step 5.
You will be prompted with confirmation of the required permissions for the PIA VPN app; again, select Install.

Step 6.
The application will then perform the installation process.

Step 7.
Open the application.

Step 8.
You will be presented with a quick summary of features available. At the end, double click the ‘Play’ button on your remote to activate the cursor. You can use up, down, left, and right, to move the cursor and the center button to click this cursor much like a mouse; use it to select ‘Done’.

Step 9.
You will be presented with a notification from us, warning you that the device is about to prompt you with a security warning, and an assurance that we do not filter or log. We don’t. Select OK.

Step 10.
The warning you were warned about will then appear. We don’t monitor network traffic! Select OK.

Step 11.
You will be then be presented with a login screen.

Step 12.
Here you will input the username and password provided by your PIA subscription.

Step 13.
Once both fields have the appropriate information, select Login to save your credentials. On the following screen you will be able to utilize your new mouse cursor again. Activate your connection by clicking on the slider.

This will cause the slider to move to the middle and change from red to orange as the connection is being made.

Once the connection is made, the slider will move fully to the right and change to green.

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